Anti-fouling materials containing cationic polysiloxanes

ABSTRACT

Polyamine cross-linked polysiloxanes, such as functionalized polysiloxane cross-linked with a polyalkylenepolyamine are described herein. The polyamine cross-linked polysiloxanes may be used in an antifouling composition to prevent biological fouling in marine environments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to the following patent applications: (1) U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 60/679,129, filed on May 9, 2005, entitled “Anti-Fouling Materials,” (2) U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 60/743,044, filed on Dec. 15, 2005, entitled “Cationic Polysiloxanes,” and (3) U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 60/751,720, filed on Dec. 17, 2005, entitled “Cationic Polysiloxanes,” all of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS STATEMENT

The U.S. Government may have certain rights to this invention as provided for by the terms of Grant Nos. N00014-02-1-0794, N00014-03-1-0702, and N00014-04-1-0597 awarded by the Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research.

BACKGROUND

Fouling of surfaces exposed to an aquatic environment is a serious problem. For example, surfaces of ships such as the hull, offshore marine structures such as oil rigs, sea water conduit systems for seaside plants, buoys, heat-exchangers, cooling towers, desalination equipment, filtration membranes, docks, and the like may all experience some degree of fouling when continually exposed to water. In the case of ships, fouling can inhibit vessel performance and capabilities. For example, fouling may substantially increase fuel consumption and may necessitate extensive and more frequent maintenance, all of which raise the overall costs of operation. Fouling may also reduce ship speed, maneuverability, and range, which impede performance. On another level, attachment of regionally specific aquatic organisms on ships that traverse the world can lead to the unwanted invasion and infestation of these organisms to non-indigenous harbors. In some instances, this can have severe adverse effects on local aquatic ecosystems.

Over the years there have been numerous attempts to minimize the effect of fouling on structures exposed to an aquatic environment. For example, coatings (e.g., paints, etc.) have been developed that impede the attachment and/or growth of aquatic organisms on such structures. Traditionally, two parallel lines of coatings research have predominated: biocide containing coatings and low surface energy, “non-stick,” fouling release coatings.

The most common approach to control marine fouling on the hulls of ships involves dispersing copper oxide particles in a degradable polymer matrix to produce an antifouling coating. The copper oxide serves as a biocide that deters settlement of marine organisms. Since the copper oxide is not chemically bound to the polymer matrix, it is gradually removed from the coating surface. The slow degradation of the polymer matrix in an aqueous environment allows for replenishment of the coating surface with copper oxide to maintain biocidal activity. After about three years of service, the degree of degradation of the coating is severe enough that the ship must be dry docked and a fresh layer of coating applied. While this approach is effective, it is undesirable due to release of copper oxide into the marine environment and the need for frequent dry docking.

The second approach, which is currently being used to a much lesser degree, involves the application of a nontoxic, non degradable coating that allows for easy release of marine organisms that have settled on the coating. These coatings, commonly referred to as foul-release coatings, are typically silicone elastomers that possess a low surface energy such that the adhesion strength is relatively low and organisms can be readily removed by water jetting or moving the ship at high speed through the water. The primary disadvantage of this approach is that frequent cleaning of ship hulls is required and the coatings are easily damaged due to their low modulus.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved antifouling coating (i.e., a coating having biocidal properties and/or foul-release properties) that is more environmentally sensitive and/or is more effective at inhibiting fouling.

SUMMARY

The present application relates to polymeric materials which have anti-fouling and/or antimicrobial activity and include polymers that exhibit biocidal and/or fouling release activity. The polymeric material is typically a cross-linked polymeric material, such as a cross-linked polysiloxane material, which includes quaternary amine functional groups.

The anti-fouling material may prepared by cross linking polymers and/or copolymers to provide a network of covalently bonded polymers that include quaternary amino functional groups. In one embodiment, the polymer network may include at least one polysiloxane segment. In another embodiment, the polymer network may include polysiloxane polymers cross linked together using ionene bridges. The polymer network may also include a number of fouling inhibiting moieties or other functional groups, such as biocidal moieties, fouling release moieties, and/or texturizing moieties.

Formulas I, II, and III show exemplary embodiments of the various polymers that may be used to prepare the polymer network. In general terms, Formulas I, II, and II may be used to make an anti-fouling material which includes two polymer or copolymer segments cross linked using an ionene bridge. The use of an ionene bridge may be desirable from a number of perspectives. For example, the reaction that is used to form the quaternary amines in the inonene bridge may be reversible under shear stress (e.g., ship moving through water, pressure washer, etc.). Because the quaternization reaction is reversible, a coating that uses this anti-fouling material may slowly release the outer layer of the coating and thus prevent fouling on the surface of the coating. Furthermore, quaternary and tertiary amines are toxic to organisms that cause fouling. Thus, biocidal qualities of the ionene bridge and tertiary amines formed in the dequaternization reaction can also reduce fouling. In one embodiment, halide functionalized polymers and/or copolymers may be cross linked using polyamine compounds. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, dihalide compounds may be reacted with amine functionalized polymers and/or copolymers to provide ionene bridged polymeric materials.

Formulas I and III show various polymers and/or copolymers that may have a variety of backbones. For example, in one embodiment, at least one of the polymer backbones includes a polysiloxane polymer segment. For example, the polymer backbone may include a polysiloxane segment such as polydialkylsiloxanes, polyalkylhydrosiloxane, etc. and a carbon polymer segment such as a polyacrylate segment. In another example, the polymer backbones may be entirely made of a polysiloxane polymer (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)-co-polymethylhydrosiloxane(PMHS)). The anti-fouling material may include multiple polymers that can be cross linked using an ionene. The use of polysiloxane in the polymer backbone may be desirable to provide a rubbery characteristic to the anti-fouling material.

As shown in Formulas I, II, and III the polysiloxane/polyacrylate (i.e., polysiloxane and/or polyacrylate based polymers and/or copolymers) backbones, ionene bridges, and/or graft polymers may include a variety of additional moieties. For example, suitable moieties may include: a biocidal moiety (e.g., Triclosan, quatenary ammonium, pyridinium, polymers and copolymers such as polymethacrylate that include these groups, etc.), a texturizing or fouling release moiety (e.g., hydrophilic groups such as polyether groups, hydrophobic groups such as perfluroalkyl groups, liquid crystalline groups such as deuterobenzene groups, self-organizing groups, cleavable groups such as alkoxy alkyl groups such as alkoxy alkyls, and polymers and copolymers such as polymethacrylate including these groups, etc.), or a cross linking moiety (e.g., epoxy, olefin, amine, acid, aldehyde, ester, etc.). In one embodiment, these moieties may be coupled directly to the polysiloxane/polyacrylate backbone or the ionene bridge. However, in other embodiments, these moieties may be coupled to polymers and/or copolymers such as polymethacrylate which are part of or grafted on to the polymer backbones and/or the ionene bridge.

Formula IV shows an example of an anti-fouling material that may be prepared using the materials shown in Formulas I, II, and III. It should be appreciated that the materials shown in Figures I, II, and III may be modified in a number of ways to provide a variety of different anti-fouling materials. For example, it may be desirable to limit the crosslinking that occurs outside of the quaternization reaction. Thus, the number of cross linking moieties provided on the polymers and/or copolymers shown in Formulas I, II, and III may be reduced or eliminated all together. Also, it may be desirable to limit the amount and number of biocidal and/or textural moieties in a similar fashion. In one embodiment, the ionene linked polysiloxane/polyacrylate material may having a nitrogen content (wt %) of between about 0.2% to 3%, desirably, between about 0.4% to 2%, or suitably, between about 0.6% and 1%.

In one embodiment, the polysiloxane/polyacrylate used to make the cross linked material may have a molecular weight of about 4000 to 25000.

The polyamine may be any of a number of suitable compounds. For example, one suitable diamine may have Formula VIII: R=R₂N-A-NR₂  Formula VIII wherein is “A” is a spacer or linking group consisting of siloxane, alkyl, ether, ester, polyether, phenyl, aryl, heterocyclic, polyaromatic, polypeptide, polysiloxane, polyamide, polysulfone, or polyurethane group. Generally, as used herein “linking group” refers to a group that is used to link two other atoms together and has less than 12 atoms. “R” may be any suitable alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, or phenyl. Of course, it should be appreciated that triamines and other higher order amines may be used as well.

In another embodiment, an anti-fouling material comprises a cross linked copolymer which is prepared by cross linking a copolymer (random or block) using a polyamine or polyhalide functionalized material where the copolymer has the formula:

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 50, or 2 to 10;

y is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 25, or 2 to 10;

z is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 50, or 2 to 10;

t is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 25, or 2 to 10;

u is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 50, or 2 to 10;

x+y+z+t+u is at least 5, 10, 50, 100 or between 25-250, or 50-200;

n is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

m is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

p is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

a is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

b is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

c is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

d is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

e is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

f is an integer from 0 to 50, 5 to 40, or 10 to 30;

X is a halide, an amino group (if X is a halide, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyamine or if X is an amino group, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyhalide), or an end cap group;

Y is a halide, an amino group (if Y is a halide, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyamine or if Y is an amino group, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyhalide), or an end cap group;

Z is a halide, an amino group (if Z is a halide, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyamine or if Z is an amino group, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyhalide), or an end cap group;

L¹, L², and L³ are linking groups;

R¹, R², R³, and R¹⁰ are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl or phenyl;

R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, or phenyl;

R⁵ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group;

R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group;

R⁶, R⁸, and R⁹ include independently a biocidal group that is toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment; a fouling release group; a texturizing group; or combination thereof.

Typically, at least one of n, m, p, a, b, c, d, e, or f is not 0. For example, the present polymeric materials suitably include those in which n+m+p is not less than 5 (e.g., 10 to 30); a+b+c is not less than 5 (e.g., 10 to 30); and/or d+e+f is not less than 5 (e.g., 10 to 30).

In this embodiment, the polysiloxane backbone may be a random or block copolymer. Also, the polymethacrylate based polymer grafted to the polysiloxane backbone may be a random or block copolymer. Accordingly, the formulas shown herein should be understood to refer to either a block or random copolymer having the specified monomer units in any order.

In another embodiment, an anti-fouling material comprises a cross linked copolymer which is prepared by cross linking a copolymer (random or block) using a polyamine or polyhalide functionalized material where the copolymer has the formula:

wherein the siloxane based polymer can be the siloxane polymer from the previous embodiment with one of the ends removed (e.g., the siloxane polymer from the previous embodiment may have the leftmost terminal silicon group removed and it would then be coupled at that point to the silicon group shown in this embodiment)

x1 is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 50, or 2 to 10;

y1 is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 50, or 2 to 10;

z1 is an integer from 0 to 100, 1 to 50, or 2 to 10;

g is 0 or 1;

h is 0 or 1;

at least one of x1, y1, or z1 is not 0;

Q is a halide, an amino group (if Q is a halide, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyamine or if Q is an amino group, the material that is used to cross link the copolymer is a polyhalide), or an end cap group;

L⁴ and L⁵ are linking groups;

R¹¹ and R¹² are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl or phenyl;

R⁵ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group;

R¹³ is an H and/or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, typically Me;

R¹¹ and R¹² include independently a biocidal group that is toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment; a fouling release group; a texturizing group; or combination thereof.

A number of compounds suitable for use as or in anti-fouling materials are disclosed herein. In general, anti-fouling materials refer to products, agents, or compositions which may provide biocidal and/or fouling release properties when used alone or in combination with other materials or substances. The anti-fouling materials described herein may include one or more of a number of suitable copolymers (e.g., block copolymers, graft copolymers, random copolymers, etc.) which provide biocidal and/or fouling release characteristics.

In one embodiment, a copolymer may be prepared by cross linking two copolymers using an ionene bridge. The ionene bridge may be formed by reacting a polyamine such as a diamine with a halide on the copolymer. The copolymer may include various polysiloxanes (e.g., polymethylhydrosiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, etc.) alone or combined with other carbon based polymers such as polyacrylate based polymers (e.g., polymethacrylate). The copolymer may be prepared as a random or block copolymer. In addition, other polymers or functional groups may be attached to the copolymer backbone (e.g., polyacrylate based copolymers may be grafted to the copolymer backbone). A variety of fouling inhibiting moieties may be attached directly to the copolymer backbone, to a polymer grafted to the copolymer backbone, or to the ionene bridge used to cross link the copolymers. Fouling inhibiting moieties may include biocidal groups, fouling release groups (groups capable of being cleaved off the copolymer), and/or texturizing groups (groups which provide a rubbery consistency or reduce the tendency of fouling organisms to adhere to the anti-fouling material).

The ionene cross linked copolymers may be prepared using the Menschutkin reaction between a dihalide and a ditertiary amine. In one embodiment, a halide such as chlorine or bromine may be attached to the copolymer (either directly to the backbone or a pendant group or graft polymer) which reacts with a polyamine to form the ionene bridge between the copolymers. The ionene bridge includes quaternary amines which couple adjoining copolymers together. The reaction to form the quaternary amines may be reversible under shear stress so that the cross linked copolymer has fouling release characteristics (e.g., ship moving through water, use of a high pressure sprayer, etc.) The cross linked copolymer may also be prepared using amine functionalized copolymers and a halide functionalized cross linking group.

It should be appreciated that a number of suitable ways may be used to provide the described anti-fouling material. For example, any of a number of suitable polyamines may be used to cross link the copolymers to form the ionene bridges between the copolymers. In one embodiment, diamines are used to cross link the copolymer.

The anti-fouling material may be applied as a coating to a surface where it is desired to prevent fouling (e.g., the surface of a ship's hull, etc.). In one embodiment, the halide functionalized copolymers and the polyamines may be combined shortly before or at the same time that the coating is applied to the surface to be protected.

A polymeric material is described herein that includes functionalized polysiloxane and/or salts thereof. The functionalized polysiloxane may include one or more polyamine subunits. It should be appreciated that the polyamine functionalized polysiloxane may comprise any suitable amount or type of polyamine subunits depending on the desired properties of the final material. In one embodiment, the functionalized polysiloxane includes polyalkylenepolyamine subunits such as polyethylenepolyamine or polypropylenepolyamine subunits. The polymeric material may comprise about 5 to 35 wt % polyamine subunits, in some instances about 8 to 25 wt % polyamine subunits and, in others, about 10 to 15 wt % polyamine subunits. Also, the polyamine subunits may have a molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol. In another embodiment, the functionalized polysiloxane may include one, two, three, or more different types of polyamine subunits (e.g., multiple polyalkylenepolyamine subunits). Furthermore, salts of the functionalized polysiloxane may include one or more quaternary ammonium groups and/or one or more protonated ammonium groups.

The functionalized polysiloxane may have biocidal and/or foul-release properties. For example, the amine groups in the polyamine subunits may act as a biocide. In particular, quaternary ammonium groups and/or protonated ammonium groups may especially function as a biocide. The amine groups are covalently bonded in the polymeric material, which serves to prevent undue degradation of the amine groups into the environment. The functionalized polysiloxane may also include additional covalently bonded biocidal groups such as Triclosan. Typically, the biocidal groups are toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment. In one embodiment, a second biocidal group (e.g., Triclosan) may be introduced to the functionalized polysiloxane by reacting an epoxy functionalized biocidal group with an amine group on a polyamine subunit. In another embodiment, a second biocidal group may be introduced to the polysiloxane by reacting the functionalized polysiloxane with epihalohydrin (e.g., epichlorohydrin) and Triclosan.

The polymeric material may be included in an antifouling composition. The antifouling composition may be used to coat a surface that is susceptible to fouling such as a ship's hull. The biocidal and/or foul-release properties of the polymeric material may prevent fouling of the ship's hull or other substrate. Typically, the antifouling composition is coated on a substrate as a reaction mixture that then subsequently cures. It should be appreciated that some curing may take place before the antifouling composition is coated on the substrate so that the viscosity of the mixture is such that the coating application remains on the substrate. The polymeric material may also be used in any of a number of other applications such as medical devices, and so forth.

The functionalized polysiloxane may be prepared by reacting a mixture which includes alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine and silanol terminated polysiloxane. In one embodiment, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include one or more dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl groups and/or trialkoxysilylalkyl groups. For example, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include one or more dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl groups and/or trimethoxysilylpropyl groups. In another embodiment, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine includes alkoxysilyl functionalized polyalkylenepolyamine such as trimethoxysilylpropyl functionalized polyethyleneimine and/or dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl functionalized polyethyleneimine. The silanol terminated polysiloxane may be any suitable silanol terminated polysiloxane. In one embodiment, the silanol terminated polysiloxane has an average molecular weight of about 10,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol or about 15,000 g/mol to 75,000 g/mol. A crosslinking agent such as alkoxysilane and/or other materials such as fumed silica may also be added to the mixture which is used to make the functionalized polysiloxane.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a chart that shows the % reduction in biofilm retention of various antifouling compositions compared to DC 3140 control.

FIG. 2 is a scanning electron microscope image of the surface of the polymeric material from Sample 1 in Table 2.

FIG. 3 is a picture of a number of coatings after they have been stained with crystal violet to show adhered Halomonas Pacifica bacteria.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing the fouling resistance properties of various coatings.

FIG. 5 is another picture of a number of coatings after they have been stained with crystal violet to show adhered Cytophaga Lytica bacteria.

DESCRIPTION

Generally, the antifouling materials described herein comprise polymers that exhibit biocidal and/or fouling release activity. The various embodiments and descriptions of antifouling materials may be used independently (e.g., as a single coating layer) or in combination with other materials (e.g., paint pigment, etc.) to prevent structures and other surfaces exposed to an aquatic environment (e.g., marine environments, freshwater environments, etc.) from fouling. In many situations, the composition of the coating material includes other compounds such as curing agents, cross link initiators, and the like.

Suitable polyamines that may be used to cross link halide functionalized polymeric materials, such as the polymers and/or copolymers shown in Formulas I and III, include 1,4-diaminobutane; bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane; 1,3-dipyridyl propane; 1,3-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-butane; 1,n-bis(N,N-dialkylamino)-alkane where N,N-dialkyl groups are ethyl and/or methyl and 1,n-substituted alkane backbone typically has from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, bis(aminoalkyl)-benzene such as 1,4-bis(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)-benzene or 1,3-di-(aminoethyl)-benzene; 1,n-bis(N,N-dialkylamino)-cycloalkane such as 1,4-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-cyclohexane or 1,4-bis(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)-cyclohexane; 1,n-dipyridyl alkane such as 1,3-dipyridyl butane or 1,6-dipyridyl hexane; 1,n-dipyridyl cycloalkane such as 1,4-dipyridyl cyclohexane; polyalkylenepolyamine such as N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamehtyldiethylenetriamine, tetraethylenetriamine, or N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylpropylenediamine; N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,4-butanediamine; N,N,N′N′-tetramethyl-ethylenediamine; N,N,N′N′-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine; N,N,N′N′-tetramethylbenzidine; N,N,N′,N′-tetraethylethylenediamine; 2,2′-dipyridyl; and 4,4′-dipyridyl.

In another embodiment, the polyamine used to cross link the copolymers may include one or more secondary or primary amines which react with a halide on the copolymers. After the polyamine has been coupled to the copolymer, the amino groups may be quaternized, e.g., by reaction with an alkylating agent, to form an ionene bridge between the two copolymers.

The fouling release moiety may be any of a number of suitable fouling-release moieties. For example, suitable fouling release moieties may include groups having Formula V: R=-A-J  Formula V wherein is “A” is a spacer consisting of alkyl, ether, ester, polyether, phenyl, aryl, heterocyclic, polyaromatic, polypeptide, polysiloxane, polyamide, polysulfone, or polyurethane group. “J” is a terminal functionality which affects the physical properties of the polysiloxane to enhance the fouling release action as described herein such as perfluoroalkyl. Suitable examples of “J” groups include:

The materials shown in Formulas I, II, and III may include a pendant biocidal moiety. Suitable examples of such biocidal moieties include groups having Formula VI: R=-A-G  Formula VI wherein is “A” is a spacer consisting of alkyl, ether, ester, polyether, phenyl, aryl, heterocyclic, polyaromatic, polypeptide, polysiloxane, polyamide, polysulfone, or polyurethane group. “G” is a terminal functionality which is a biocide for aquatic organisms such as in one embodiment, tetracyclines, triclosans, and floxacins, or, in another embodiment, ammonium salts and pyridinium salts. The spacer “A” may be selected so that it hydrolyzes and the biocide group “G” is therefore cleavable from the copolymer. In some instances the group “G” may only exhibit biocidal activity after cleavage from the polymer backbone. Also, the spacer “A” may be chosen so that it does not undergo hydrolysis and thus the biocide group “G” is not cleavable from the polymer backbone. In one embodiment, the polymer backbone may include polysiloxane and/or polymethacrylate that include both cleavable and non-cleavable biocide groups. In another embodiment, one type of polysiloxane may include cleavable biocide groups and be cross linked to other polysiloxanes, at least one of which includes non-cleavable biocide groups. Suitable examples of biocide groups include triclosan and pyridinium groups, as shown below, respectively:

The materials shown in Formulas I, II, and III may include a pendant cross linking moiety. Suitable examples of such cross linking moieties include groups having Formula VII: R=-A-E  Formula VII wherein is “A” is a spacer consisting of alkyl, ether, ester, polyether, phenyl, aryl, heterocyclic, polyaromatic, polypeptide, polysiloxane, polyamide, polysulfone, or polyurethane group. “E” is a terminal functionality consisting of an epoxy, hydroxy, amino, carboxylic, ester, capable of undergoing further reaction when brought into contact with a curing agent. The copolymer may be cross linked using any of a number of cross linking agents such as those having two vinyl groups (e.g., divinyl PDMS, divinyl benzene, etc.).

The anti-fouling material may be provided as a coating (with or without the inclusion of other ingredients such as dyes, etc.) that is applied to a surface that is subject to fouling by marine organisms. The coating may be prepared by combining the copolymers shown in Formulas I and III with the polyamine shown in Formula II. After these materials have been combined, the coating is applied to the surface and allowed to set up.

The present compositions may be used as an antifouling coatings having biocidal activity and/or fouling release activity. These coatings are more or less effective at inhibiting settlement/growth/proliferation of biological entities on the coated surface. The functionalized polysiloxane compositions can be used in conjunction with other materials to comprise formulations for use in the antifouling coatings. It is anticipated that the formulation can be used to serve as antifouling coatings in a number of applications. In particular, as mentioned previously, the present compositions may be useful for the coating of ship hulls, heat-exchangers, cooling towers, de-salination equipment, filtration membranes, docks, off-shore oil rigs, and other submerged superstructures as well as any structure or surface subject to fouling in an aquatic environment.

Polymeric materials are described herein that include functionalized polysiloxane and/or salts thereof. The polymeric materials may be useful in a wide variety of settings. For example, the polymeric materials may be used to prevent fouling in marine or aquatic environments or any other place where exposure to water may result in fouling. The polymeric material may be included in a coating that is applied to the surfaces of ships such as the hull, offshore marine structures such as oil rigs, sea water conduit systems for seaside plants, buoys, heat-exchangers, cooling towers, de-salination equipment, filtration membranes, docks, and the like. The polymeric material may also be included in other coatings such as those used to coat medical devices that are surgically implanted in a human or animal (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, cardiac defibrillator, and the like). It should be appreciated that the polymeric material may be used in any suitable application.

The polymeric material may include one or more polyamine subunits (e.g., polyamine functionalized polysiloxane). It should be appreciated that the polyamine functionalized polysiloxane may comprise any suitable amount or type of polyamine subunits depending on the desired properties of the final material. In one embodiment, the polyamine functionalized polysiloxane may include polyalkylenepolyamine subunits. The polyalkylenepolyamine subunits may include polyalkylene groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms. For example, the polyalkylenepolyamine subunits may include polyethylenepolyamine subunits, polypropylenepolyamine subunits, and so forth. The polyamine subunits may include at least 5 amine groups, at least 10 amine groups, or, suitably at least 15 amine groups. The polyamine subunits may be linked to the polysiloxane using any suitable linking group such as alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, salts of the functionalized polysiloxane may include quaternary amine groups and/or protonated amine groups. It should also be appreciated that the polyamine subunits may be block or random polymer subunits. Preferably, the polyamine subunits are random polymer subunits.

The polymeric material may include any suitable amount of polyamine subunits. For example, the polymeric material may comprise about 5 to 35 wt % polyamine subunits, about 8 to 25 wt % polyamine subunits, or, suitably, about 10 to 15 wt % polyamine subunits. The polyamine subunits may also have any suitable molecular weight. For example, the polyamine subunits may have an average molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol, at least about 1000 g/mol, or, suitably, at least about 2000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the polyamine subunits may have an average molecular weight of about 2000 to 4000 g/mol. In yet another embodiment, the polyamine subunits in the polymeric material may have an average molecular weight of no more than about 7500 g/mol or no more than about 5000 g/mol. It should be appreciated that the polymeric material may include one, two, three, or more different types of polyamine subunits (e.g., multiple polyalkylenepolyamine subunits such as polyethylenepolyamine and polypropylenepolyamine).

The polymeric material may be prepared by reacting a mixture which includes alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine and silanol terminated polysiloxane via a condensation reaction which produces an alcohol byproduct (e.g., methanol, ethanol, etc. depending on the alkoxysilyl group). Any suitable alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include one or more dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl groups such as dimethoxymethylsilylethyl groups, diethoxyethylsilylethyl groups, dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl groups, diethoxyethylsilylpropyl groups, dimethoxymethylsilylbutyl groups, diethoxyethylsilylbutyl groups, and the like and/or trialkoxysilylalkyl groups such as trimethoxysilylpropyl groups, triethoxysilylpropyl groups, trimethoxysilylbutyl groups, triethoxysilylbutyl groups, trimethoxysilylethyl groups, triethoxysilylethyl groups, and the like. In another embodiment, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include one or more dimethoxymethylsilylalkyl groups, diethoxyethylsilylalkyl groups, trimethoxysilylalkyl groups, and/or triethoxysilylalkyl groups.

The alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include an alkoxysilyl functionalized polyalkylenepolyamine such as dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl functionalized polyethylenepolyamine and/or trialkoxysilylalkyl functionalized polyethylenepolyamine. Suitable alkoxysilyl functionalized polyalkylenepolyamines include trimethoxysilylalkyl (e.g., trimethoxysilylpropyl, trimethoxysilylethyl, trimethoxysilylbutyl, and the like) functionalized polyethyleneimine, triethoxysilylalkyl (e.g., triethoxysilylpropyl, triethoxysilylethyl, triethoxysilylbutyl, and the like) functionalized polyethyleneimine, dimethoxymethylsilylalkyl (e.g., dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl, dimethoxymethylsilylethyl, dimethoxymethylsilylbutyl, and the like) functionalized polyethyleneimine, and/or diethoxyethylsilylalkyl (e.g., diethoxyethylsilylpropyl, diethoxyethylsilylethyl, diethoxyethylsilylbutyl, and the like) functionalized polyethyleneimine.

In one embodiment, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include a compound having the formula (as a block or random polymer)

wherein x is at least about 10, at least about 20, an integer from 0 to 125, about 40 to 100, and/or no more than about 200; z is at least 1, at least 5, an integer from 0 to 25, about 10 to 20, and/or no more than about 50; x+z is at least 2, at least 5, about 10 to 200, about 25 to 100, and/or no more than about 500; EC¹ and EC² are end cap groups, which may include an alkoxysilyl functional group; EC¹ and EC² may also be H, trialkoxysilylalkyl, or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl; L¹ is a linking group, which may be linear or branched alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene, propylene, and the like); R may be a linear or branched alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene, propylene, and the like); R¹ is alkoxy; and R² and R³ may be independently alkoxy or alkyl such as linear or branched alkoxy or alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. It should be appreciated, however, that x and/or z may be any suitable number. Also, in one embodiment, z may be 0 and at least one of EC¹ and EC² may be trialkoxysilylalkyl (e.g., trimethoxysilylpropyl) or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl (e.g., dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl). In this embodiment, x may be 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may include a compound having the formula (as a block or random polymer)

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 125, at least about 10, at least about 20, about 40 to 100, and/or no more than about 200; z is at least 1, at least 5, an integer from 0 to 25, about 10 to 20, and/or no more than about 50; x+z is at least 2, at least 5, about 10 to 200, about 25 to 100, and/or no more than about 500; EC¹ and EC² are end cap groups, which may include an alkoxysilyl functional group; EC¹ and EC² may also be H, trialkoxysilylalkyl, or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl; L¹ is a linking group, which may be linear or branched alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene, propylene, and the like); R may be a linear or branched alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene, propylene, and the like); R¹ is alkoxy; and R² and R³ may be independently alkoxy or alkyl such as linear or branched alkoxy or alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. It should be appreciated, however, that x and/or z may be any suitable number; and R⁴ is hydrogen, alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, or phenyl. Also, in one embodiment, z may be 0 and at least one of EC¹ and EC² may be trialkoxysilylalkyl (e.g., trimethoxysilylpropyl) or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl (e.g., dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl). In this embodiment, x may be 1 or 2.

The alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may have an average molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol or, suitably, at least about 1000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may have an average molecular weight of about 2000 to 4000 g/mol or no more than about 5000 g/mol. It should be appreciated that the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine may have any suitable molecular weight.

The silanol terminated polysiloxane may be any suitable silanol terminated polysiloxane. In one embodiment, the silanol terminated polysiloxane has an average molecular weight of at least about 5,000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the silanol terminated polysiloxane has an average molecular weight of about 10,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol or, suitably, about 15,000 g/mol to 75,000 g/mol. In yet another embodiment, the silanol terminated polysiloxane may have an average molecular weight of no more than about 150,000 g/mol. It should be appreciated, however, that the silanol terminated polysiloxane may have any suitable molecular weight and is not limited to any particular molecular weight or range of molecular weights described herein.

It should be appreciated that the silanol terminated polysiloxane may be generated in the mixture by hydrolyzing alkoxy or acetoxy terminated polysiloxane. Thus, the mixture may include relatively small amounts of the silanol terminated polysiloxane because the silanol terminated polysiloxane may react relatively quickly after being formed. In one embodiment, a suitable alkoxysilyl terminated polysiloxane which may be used to generate the silanol terminated polysiloxane includes a compound having the following formula (as either a random or block copolymer)

wherein R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are alkyl such as linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; A is an amino containing pendant group; n is an integer from 0 to about 200, at least about 10, at least about 20, about 40 to 100, and/or no more than about 200; m is an integer from 0 to about 50, at least 5, about 10 to 25, and/or no more than about 50; n+m is at least about 10, about 15 to 45, and/or no more than about 200. It should be appreciated that n and m may be any suitable number and should not be limited to the numbers or range of numbers described herein.

In one embodiment, the amino containing pendant group “A” in the formula above may include a compound having the following formula

wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently alkylene such as linear or branched alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., ethylene and/or propylene); and y is a positive integer. In a further embodiment, y may be about 5 to 50 or 1. It should be appreciated that y may be any suitable integer.

The silanol terminated polysiloxane (either added as a silanol terminated polysiloxane or generated in the mixture) may have the following formula (as either a random or block copolymer)

wherein R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are independently alkyl; A is a an amino containing pendant group; n is an integer from 0 to about 6000, at least about 50, about 100 to 1500, about 200 to 1000, and/or no more than about 5000; m is an integer from 0 to about 2000, at least 30, about 60 to 600, about 90 to 450, and/or no more than about 1500; and n+m is at least about 10, at least 100, about 150 to 750, and/or no more than about 7500. It should be appreciated that n and m may be any suitable number and should not be limited to the numbers or range of numbers described herein. In one embodiment, n is at least 1, m is at least 1, and the silanol terminated polysiloxane is a random polymer. The amino containing group “A” shown in the formula may be the same as that shown in the previous paragraph.

The mixture may include widely ranging amounts of alkoxysilyl functionalized polysiloxane. For example, the mixture may include about 5 to 35 wt % alkoxysilyl functionalized polysiloxane, about 8 to 25 wt % alkoxysilyl functionalized polysiloxane, or, suitably, 10 to 15 wt % alkoxysilyl functionalized polysiloxane. The mixture may also include a crosslinking agent and/or other materials such as fumed silica. The crosslinking agent may include one or more alkoxysilanes, such as alkyltrialkoxysilane and/or dialkyldialkoxysilane.

The polymeric material typically has biocidal (e.g., toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment) and/or foul-release properties, which renders it useful as an antifouling material. These properties may stem from the quaternary ammonium groups and/or protonated ammonium groups that are present. However, unlike some earlier materials, the groups that provide the biocidal and/or foul-release properties are covalently bonded in the polymeric material, which serves to prevent undue degradation of the polymeric material, which may result in environmental damage.

The functionalized polysiloxane may also include additional covalently bonded biocidal groups such as Triclosan. In one embodiment, a second biocidal group (e.g., Triclosan) may be introduced to the functionalized polysiloxane by reacting an epoxy functionalized biocidal group with an amine group. In another embodiment, a second biocidal group may be introduced to the polysiloxane by reacting the polysiloxane with epihalohydrin (e.g., epichlorohydrin) and Triclosan.

In one embodiment, the polymeric material may be included in an antifouling composition as already mentioned above. The antifouling composition may be used to coat a surface that is susceptible to fouling such as a ship's hull. The biocidal and/or foul-release properties of the polymeric material may prevent fouling of the ship's hull or other substrate.

The antifouling composition and/or the polymeric material may be used by coating a substrate with a reaction mixture that subsequently cures (e.g., moisture curing). It should be appreciated that some curing may take place before the antifouling composition is coated on the substrate so that the viscosity of the mixture is such that the coating application remains on the substrate:

Additional Illustrative Embodiments

The following exemplary embodiments are presented to illustrate the present polymers, compositions and methods and to assist one of ordinary skill in making and using the same. The examples are not intended in any way to otherwise limit the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polymeric material includes a cross linked copolymer which is prepared by cross linking a random or block copolymer using a polyamine. The random or block copolymer may have the formula:

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 100;

y is an integer from 1 to 100;

z is an integer from 0 to 100;

x+y+z is at least 5

n is an integer from 0 to 50;

m is an integer from 0 to 50;

p is an integer from 0 to 50;

X is a halide;

L¹ is a linking group;

R¹, R², R³ and R¹⁰ are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl or phenyl;

R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl;

R⁵ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group;

R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group;

R⁶, R⁸, and R⁹ are independently a biocidal group that is toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment; a fouling release group; a texturizing group; or combination thereof. At least one of n, m, or p is not 0. The biocidal group may include a triclosan moiety.

In such a cross linked copolymer R⁴ and R¹⁰ are typically methyl. The polysiloxane copolymer is commonly a random copolymer and the graft polymethacrylate (co)polymer chain which is grafted onto the polysiloxane copolymer is typically a block (co)polymer. At least one of R⁶, R⁸, and R⁹ typically includes an alkoxy alkyl group, such as a methoxy ethyl group or a polyalkoxy alkyl group. One or more of R⁶, R⁸, and R⁹ may includes a biocidal group. At least one of R⁶, R⁸, and R⁹ may be: (F₃C)—(CF₂)_(v)-L² wherein v is an integer from 1 to 25; and L² is a linking group. The L² linker may be an ethylene group, a methylene group or a combination thereof. X is commonly Cl, Br or a combination thereof. The polyamine may include a diamine, e.g., 1,4-diaminobutane, bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane, 1,3-dipyridyl propane, 1,3-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-butane, or combinations thereof. Other polyamines, such as N,N,N′N″,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine, may also be employed.

In another embodiment, the polymeric material includes a cross linked copolymer which is prepared by cross linking a random or block copolymer using a polyamine, where the random or block copolymer has the formula:

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 100;

y is an integer from 1 to 100;

z is an integer from 0 to 100;

x+y+z is at least 5

a is 0 or 1;

b is 0 or 1;

X is a halide;

EC is an end cap group;

L⁵ and L³ are linking groups;

R¹, R², R³, R⁵, and R¹⁰ are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl or phenyl;

R⁶ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group; and

R⁷ is a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, a group that includes a biocidal moiety that is toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment, a fouling release group, a texturizing group, or a combination thereof.

R⁵ is typically methyl and R⁷ may include a biocidal group, such as a triclosan moiety. The L³ linker is commonly an alkylene group, wherein the alkylene group suitably has 2-10 carbon atoms. L³-X may be a haloalkyl group, such as a 2-chloroethyl or 3-bromopropyl group. The L¹ linker is commonly a group such as represented by the structure:

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl and m is 2 to 6. In this type of polymeric material, the R⁷ group may be represented by:

wherein c is 0 or 1 and the alkylene has 2 to 20 carbon atoms. The polyamine employed as a cross-linker may be a diamine, such as 1,4-diaminobutane, bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane, 1,3-dipyridyl propane and/or 1,3-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)-butane. The polyamine may also include other amines, such as N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine.

In another embodiment, an antifouling material comprising a first polymer cross linked with a second polymer using an ionene bridge is provided. The first polymer and/or the second polymer comprise a polysiloxane polymer segment. At least one of the first and second polymers may include a pendant group selected from the group comprising a texturizing group, a fouling release group, a biocidal group, or a mixture thereof. The pendant group may include a fluorocarbon is coupled to the first polymer, the second polymer, and/or the ionene bridge.

In yet another embodiment, the polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane may include cross-linked copolymer which is prepared by cross-linking a copolymer using a polymine, wherein the copolymer has the formula:

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 100;

y is an integer from 1 to 100;

z is an integer from 0 to 100;

x+y+z is at least 10;

n is an integer from 1 to 50;

a is 1, 2, or 3;

b is an integer from 1 to 15;

X is Cl and/or Br;

L¹ is a linking group;

R¹, R², R³, and R¹⁰ are independently C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl or phenyl;

R⁴ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl;

R⁵ is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group; and

R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, toluyl, xylyl, phenyl, or a cross linking group.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are presented to illustrate the present invention and to assist one of ordinary skill in making and using the same. The examples are not intended in any way to otherwise limit the scope of the invention. All percentages are by weight unless otherwise noted. The materials shown in Table 1 were used in examples 1-5 and were supplied by the suppliers shown.

TABLE 1 Material Supplier DMS-S35 - Silanol terminated PDMS, Gelest Inc., Morrisville, PA 49,000 g/mol DMS-S27 - Silanol terminated PDMS, Gelest Inc., Morrisville, PA 18,000 g/mol SIS6962.0 - Hexamethyldisilazane Gelest Inc., Morrisville, PA (treated Fumed Silica) SIM6555.0 - Methyltriethoxysilane Gelest Inc., Morrisville, PA 4-methyl-2-pentanone Aldrich SSP-060 - Trimethoxysilylpropyl Gelest Inc., Morrisville, PA modified polyethylenimine DC 3140 - Flowable Mil spec RTV Dow Corning silicone coating

A 50 mM Tetrabutylammonium fluoride catalyst solution (hereinafter referred to as “Catalyst A”) was prepared by mixing 1.25 mL of 1.0 M Tetrabutylammonium fluoride to a 25 mL volumetric flask and brought to volume with 4-methyl-2-pentanone.

Example 1

Samples 1-10 of polymeric antifouling compositions having the formulations shown in Table 2 were prepared according to the following procedure. The amounts of the materials shown in Table 2 were thoroughly mixed by vortexing and deposited into modified 24 well polystyrene plates. The Samples were cured at 50° C. overnight.

TABLE 2 DMS-S35 DMS-S27 SSP-060 (50 wt % in (50 wt % in (50 wt % in 4-methyl-2- 4-methyl-2- Fumed Methyltri- Catalyst Sample Isopropanol) pentanone) pentanone) Silica ethoxysilane A Control — 9 g — — 1 g 1 g 1 2 g —  8 g — — 1.113 g 2 2.1 g 4.1 g  4 g — — 1.108 g 3 2.1 g 8.1 g — — — 1.105 g 4 1 g — 8.3 g — — 0.994 g 5 1 g 4 g 4.2 g — — 0.996 g 6 1 g 8 g — — — 0.999 g 7 0.176 g 8.824 g — — 1 g 1 g 8 0.509 g 8.491 g — — 1 g 1 g 9 1 g 8 g — — 1 g 1 g 10 4 g 32 g — 2 g 4 g 4 g

Example 2

The antifouling performance of Samples 1-6 from Table 2 was evaluated by assessing the ability of the antifouling compositions to inhibit or minimize bacterial biofilm formation. The formulations cast into the 24 well plates were inoculated with stationary phase cultures of bacteria (˜24 hr) resuspended in a minimal nutrient growth medium at ˜107 cells/mL. The plates were then placed in a 28° C. incubator for 18 hours (C. lytica, P. atlantica) or 48 hours (H. pacifica, H. marina, E. coli) to facilitate bacterial attachment and subsequent colonization. The plates were then rinsed three times with 1.0 mL of deionized water to remove any planktonic or loosely attached cells. The amount of adhered biofilm remaining on the coating surfaces was then stained with the biomass indicator dye crystal violet. Once dry, the crystal violet dye is extracted from the biofilm with addition of 0.5 mL of 33 wt % glacial acetic acid and the resulting eluate is measured for absorbance at 600 nm. The measured absorbance values obtained are directly proportional to the amount of biofilm adhered to the coating surface.

The results of trials carried out with four marine bacteria (i.e., H. marina, H. pacifica, C. lytica, and P. atlantica) and one medically relevant bacterium (E. coli) are summarized in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a chart that shows the % reduction in biofilm retention compared to DC 3140 control on the Y-axis and the sample number on the X-axis. As shown in FIG. 1, samples 5 and 6 demonstrated very good antifouling performance against all bacteria tested.

Example 3

The mechanical characteristics of Samples 1-6 from Table 2 were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). DSC was performed on a TA Instruments Q1000-0235 with the following parameters: heat-cool-heat (5° C./min, −90° C. to 100° C.). DMTA was performed on a TA Instrument Q800-0295 with signle cantilever clamp (5° C./min, −150° C. to 20° C.). Table 3 shows the melting temperatures obtained using DSC and DMTA and the glass transition temperature obtained using DMTA.

TABLE 3 T_(m) (° C.) T_(g) (° C.) T_(m) (° C.) Sample (using DSC) (using DMTA) (using DMTA) 1 −46.5 −113 −48.4 2 −44.6 −106 −46.7 3 −43.1 −112 −44.0 4 −48.2 −109 −52.1 5 −45.9 — — 6 −43.9 — —

Example 4

The antifouling performance of the control and Samples 7-9 from Table 2 was evaluated using the method described in Example 2. However, in this example, only a single bacterium was used—C. lytica. Also, the plates were incubated at 28° C. for 18 hours. Table 4 shows the percent biofilm reduction compared to DC 3140 control.

TABLE 4 % Biofilm Reduction Sample Compared to DC 3140 Control 2 7 12 8 3 9 66

FIG. 2 shows a digital image of the crystal stained samples. From FIG. 2 and Table 4, it is clearly demonstrated that Sample 9 significantly reduces biofilm growth and retention when compared to the DC 3140 control and the other Samples. It should be noted that the far left hand column in FIG. 2 are assay controls for each of the samples (inoculated with nutrient medium only).

Example 5

In this example, the mechanical characteristics of Samples 8-10 from Table 2 were determined. For Modulus, Engineering Strength, and Toughnes, an Instron 5542 with a 500 N load cell was used. ASTM method D412 was followed and samples were prepared using die B. Table 5 shows the mechanical properties of Samples 8-10.

TABLE 5 Modulus Modulus Engineering @ 25° C. 2% @ 25° C. 5% Strength Toughness Sample strain (MPA) strain (MPA) (MPA) (MPA) 8 1.113 1.1 60.13 28.29 9 0.901 0.877 48.97 26.74 10 1.403 1.337 29.7 5.77

Example 6 Illustration of General Synthetic Strategy for Graft Copolymers

Synthesis of PMHS-co-PDMS-g-polymethacrylate(PMA) ester

PMHS-co-PDMS-g-polymethacrylate may be synthesized as shown in Scheme 1 below. Initially, PMHS-co-PDMS (e.g., such as is commercially available from Gelest, Inc. 11 East Steel Road, Morrisville, Pa. 19067 as product # HMS-501 (50-55 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 10-15 cs, 900-1200 molecular weight) or HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs, 5000-7000 molecular weight)) and allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge. Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture and the temperature is raised to 90° C. Reaction is allowed to continue for 8 to 10 hours at this temperature. The reaction mixture is then cooled and the bulk of the solvent is evaporated.

To form the graft copolymer, the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane may be added to a Schlenk tube under nitrogen purge followed by dry THF. The appropriate (meth)acrylate ester required to generate the desired graft poly(meth)acrylate copolymer side chain(s) is added. A catalyst, such as copper (I) bromide, and a corresponding ligand, such as N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine, are added to the mixture and it is subjected to multiple (e.g., three or more) freeze-thaw pump cycles. After the freeze-thaw pump cycles, the temperature of the reaction mixture is raised to about 60-90° C. and the polymerization reaction is allowed to continue for about 8 to 72 hours. After polymerization is completed, the polymer may be recovered by precipitation into methanol and filtration. The polymer may be dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the catalyst, followed by precipitation into methanol, filtration and drying.

Example 7

Polymethylhydrosiloxane(PMHS)-co-polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)-g-polytriclosanmethacrylate(PTMA) is synthesized as shown in Scheme 2 below. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. 11 East Steel Road, Morrisville, Pa. 19067 as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated and the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is added to a schlenk tube under nitrogen purge followed by dry THF. The catalyst, copper bromide, the ligand, N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine and 19.8 g methacrylate functionalized triclosan are added to the flask and subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles. After the freeze-thaw pump cycles, the temperature is raised to 90° C. and the polymerization continued for 48 h. After polymerization, the polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried.

The PMHS-co-PDMS-g-PTMA is used to prepare an ionene coating in the manner shown in Scheme 3.1 g of the above polymer and 0.03 g of bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane

is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 12 h. The structure of the polymer network in the coating is given below.

Example 8

PDMS-co-PMHS-g-polyheptadecafluoro decyl methacrylate(PHDFMA) is synthesized as follows. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated. 20 g of the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is dissolved in 150 ml of dry THF in a schlenk flask under nitrogen purge. 7.4 ml of heptadecafluoro decyl methacrylate is added to the flask followed by 0.32 g copper (I) bromide and 0.46 ml of ligand, N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles and then allowed to polymerize at 90° C. for 8 h. The polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried. The number average molecular weight is 14000.

The PMHS-co-PDMS-g-PHDFMA is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of PMHS-co-PDMS-g-PHDFMA and 0.03 g of Bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 9

PDMS-co-PMHS-g-polymethoxy ethyl methacrylate(PMEMA) is synthesized as follows. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated, 20 g of the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is dissolved in 150 ml of dry THF in a schlenk flask under nitrogen purge. 8.3 ml of methoxy ethyl methacrylate is added to the flask followed by 0.41 g copper (I) bromide and 0.6 ml of ligand, N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles and then allowed to polymerize at 90° C. for 72 h. After polymerization, the polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried. The number average molecular weight is 15500.

The PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA and 0.05 g of Bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 10

PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA-b-PTMA is synthesized as follows. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated. 20 g of the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is dissolved in 150 ml of dry THF in a schlenk flask under nitrogen purge. 6.4 ml of methoxy ethyl methacrylate is added to the flask followed by 0.32 g copper (I) bromide and 0.46 ml of ligand, N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles and then allowed to polymerize at 90° C. for 72 h. After 72 h, 15.7 g methacrylate functionalized triclosan (biocide) is added to the reaction mixture under nitrogen purge and the polymerization continued at 90° C. for another 72 h. After polymerization, the polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried. The number average molecular weight is 21000.

The PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA-b-PTMA is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA-b-PTMA and 0.03 g of Bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 11

PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA-b-PTMA is synthesized as follows. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated. 20 g of the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is dissolved in 150 ml of dry THF in a schlenk flask under nitrogen purge. 7.4 ml of heptadecafluoro decyl methacrylate is added to the flask followed by 0.32 g copper (I) bromide and 0.46 ml of ligand, N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles and then allowed to polymerize at 90° C. for 8 h. After 8 h, 15.7 g methacrylate functionalized triclosan (biocide) is added to the reaction mixture under nitrogen purge and the polymerization continued at 90° C. for another 72 h. After polymerization, the polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the copper catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried. The number average molecular weight is 20000.

The PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA-b-PTMA is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA-b-PTMA and 0.06 g of Bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 12

PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA-b-PHDFMA is synthesized as follows. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated. 10 g of the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is dissolved in 100 ml of dry THF in a schlenk flask under nitrogen purge. 3.2 ml of methoxy ethyl methacrylate is added to the flask followed by 0.08 g copper (I) bromide and 0.11 ml of ligaed, N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles and then allowed to polymerize at 90° C. for 72 h. After 72 h, 3.7 ml of heptadecafluoro decyl methacrylate is added to the reaction mixture under nitrogen purge and the polymerization continued at 90° C. for another 24 h. After polymerization, the polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the copper catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried. The number average molecular weight is 21000.

The PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA-b-PHDFMA is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PMEMA-b-PHDFMA and 0.05 g of Bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 13

PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA-b-PMEMA is synthesized as follows. Initially, 20 g of PMHS-co-PDMS, which is available from Gelest, Inc. as product # HMS-082 (7-8 wt. % Methylhydrosiloxane-dimethylsiloxane copolymer, trimethylsiloxane terminated, 110-150 cs) and 4 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge and Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated. 10 g of the isobutyryl functionalized polysiloxane is dissolved in 100 ml of dry THF in a schlenk flask under nitrogen purge. 3.7 ml of heptadecafluoro decyl methacrylate is added to the flask followed by 0.08 g copper (I) bromide and 0.11 ml of ligand, N,N,N′—N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine. The mixture is subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles and then allowed to polymerize at 90° C. for 8 h. After 8 h, 3.2 ml of methoxy ethyl methacrylate is added to the reaction mixture under nitrogen purge and the polymerization continued at 90° C. for another 72 h. After polymerization, the polymer is recovered by precipitating it into methanol and then filtering it. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the copper catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried. The number average molecular weight is 21000.

The PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA-b-PMEMA is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA-b-PMEMA and 0.05 g of Bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 14

10 g of hydride terminated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) and 0.5 g of allyl isobutyryl bromide are added to dry toluene in a flask under nitrogen purge. Karstedt's catalyst is added to this mixture. The temperature is raised to 90° C. and the reaction continued for 8 h. After the reaction, the solvent is evaporated and the isobutyryl functionalized PDMS is added to a schlenk tube under nitrogen purge followed by dry THF. 8 g of acrylate functionalized 1,3 dichloropropan-ol, is combined with the catalyst copper bromide and ligand N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine in the flask and subjected to three freeze-thaw pump cycles. After the freeze-thaw pump cycles, the temperature is raised to 90° C. and the polymerization continued for 48 h. After polymerization, polymer is recovered by precipitating into methanol and filteration. The polymer is dissolved in toluene and passed through a neutral alumina column to remove the catalyst, precipitated into methanol, filtered and dried.

The dihalide functionalized polymer is used to prepare an ionene coating. 1 g of the dihalide functionalized polymer and 0.1 g of bis(dimethylamino)-dimethylsilane is dissolved in toluene and deposited into microtitre plate wells. The ionene polymer is cured at ambient temperature for 8 h and further cured at 50° C. for 24 h.

Example 15

A bioassay is carried out according to the procedure described in Katherine Merritt, Anita Gaind and James M. Anderson, Detection of Bacterial Adherence on Biomedical Polymers, Journal of Biomedical Material Research, 1998, 39, 415-422, which is incorporated herein by reference in it entirety. In general terms, the procedure uses a dye elution technique to measure the adherence of organisms to polymers. The technique involves growing organisms (e.g., bacteria) on the surface of the coatings, staining with crystal violet, eluting the dye with ethanol, and determining the optical density of the solution using 96-well plates and an enzyme immunosorbent assay reader with a 540 nm filter.

Referring to FIG. 3, a picture is shown of a number of coatings after they have been stained with crystal violet. The organism used in these tests is the bacteria Halomonas Pacifica. In general, darker stains indicate that more bacteria has adhered to the particular coating than lighter stains.

The row of samples across the top represent control samples that did not have any organisms placed in them. The two vertical rows on the left were used to test a commercial coating sold by Dow Corning as DC 3140 silicon adhesive. The two rows in the center were used to test the ionene coating prepared according to Example 8 above. The two vertical rows on the right were used to test polymethyl methacrylate. As shown in FIG. 3, the coating prepared according to Example 8 above is noticeably superior to the other two tested coatings.

The coatings shown in FIG. 4 are tested according to this method using the bacteria Halomonas Pacifica. For each coating, the absorbance of the eluted dye solution is measured and the results are shown in FIG. 4. In general, the coatings showing the lowest light absorbance are the coatings that were most resistant to adherence by the organisms.

The coatings are:

Intersleek+Tie Coat=Intersleek 425 available from International Paint Ltd.

PMMA=polymethyl methacrylate

DC 3140=silicon adhesive available from Dow Corning.

HMS-IN=coating prepared according to Example 8 above.

Ref=PDMS

65=PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA, Mn=25000, cross linked with divinyl siloxane in THF solvent.

79=PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA, Mn=12000, cross linked with divinyl siloxane in THF solvent.

80=PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA, Mn=15000, cross linked with divinyl siloxane in THF solvent.

81=PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA, Mn=20000, cross linked with divinyl siloxane in THF solvent.

81-F=PDMS-co-PMHS-g-PHDFMA, Mn=20000, cross linked with divinyl siloxane in fluorinated solvent.

FIG. 4 shows that the ionene coating inhibits growth and/or adherence of the organisms on the coating to a greater degree than the other coatings.

FIG. 5 shows another picture where the same coatings as those shown in FIG. 3 are tested using Cytophaga Lytica bacteria. Cytophaga Lytica is known to induce macrofouling on previous coatings. FIG. 5 also shows that the coating prepared according to Example 8 above inhibited the growth and/or adherence of organisms on the surface of the coating.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and illustrative embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A substrate having an antifouling coating on a surface thereof; wherein the coating comprises a polymeric material which includes polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane and/or salts thereof; and the polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane is prepared by reacting a mixture which includes alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine and silanol terminated polysiloxane.
 2. The coated substrate of claim 1 wherein the polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane comprises polyalkylenepolyamine subunits, which have an average molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol.
 3. The coated substrate of claim 1 wherein the polymeric material is prepared by reacting a mixture comprising the silanol terminated polysiloxane; and polyalkylenepolyamine having the following formula:

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 125; z is an integer from 0 to 25; when z is zero, at least one of EC¹ or EC² is trialkoxysilylalkyl or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl; x+z is at least 3; EC¹ and EC² are end cap groups; L¹ is a linking group; R is alkylene; R¹ is alkoxy; R² and R³ are independently alkoxy or alkyl.
 4. The coated substrate of claim 3 wherein R is ethylene or propylene; R¹ and R² are methoxy; at least one of EC¹ and EC² is trialkoxysilylalkyl or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl; and the polyalkylenepolyamine has an average molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol.
 5. The coated substrate of claim 1 wherein the silanol terminated polysiloxane has the formula:

wherein R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are independently alkyl; A is a an amino containing pendant group; n is 0 to 5000; m is 0 to 2000; and n+m is at least
 10. 6. The coated substrate of claim 5 wherein the silanol terminated polysiloxane comprises one or more covalently-bound biocidal groups, which are toxic to organisms that cause fouling in an aquatic environment; wherein R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are methyl; and the silanol terminated polysiloxane is a random copolymer.
 7. The coated substrate of claim 1 wherein the polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane includes about 5 to 35 wt % polyalkylenepolyamine subunits.
 8. A method of coating a substrate comprising: applying a mixture, which includes polyamine cross-linking agent and a polysiloxane, to the substrate; wherein the mixture comprises alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine and silanol terminated polysiloxane.
 9. A polymeric material prepared by reacting a mixture which includes alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine and silanol terminated polysiloxane; wherein the polymeric material comprises polyalkylenepolyamine subunits having a molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol.
 10. The polymeric material of claim 9, wherein the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine is represented by a formula:

wherein x is an integer from 0 to 125; z is an integer from 0 to 25; when z is zero, at least one of EC¹ or EC² is trialkoxysilylalkyl or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl; x+z is at least 3; EC¹ and EC² are end cap groups; L¹ is a linking group; R is alkylene; R¹ is alkoxy; R² and R³ are independently alkoxy or alkyl; and the silanol terminated polysiloxane is represented by a formula:

wherein R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are independently alkyl; A is an amino containing pendant group; n is 0 to 5000; m is 0 to 2000; and n+m is at least
 10. 11. The polymeric material of claim 10, wherein the amino containing pendant group includes a compound having the formula

wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently alkylene; and y is a positive integer.
 12. The polymeric material of claim 11, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are independently linear or branched alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
 13. The polymeric material of claim 10, wherein the silanol terminated polysiloxane has an average molecular weight of at least about 5,000 g/mol.
 14. The polymeric material of claim 10, wherein L¹ is alkylene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
 15. The polymeric material of claim 10, wherein EC¹ and EC² independently H, trialkoxysilylalkyl, or dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl.
 16. An antimicrobial polymer coating comprising polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane and/or salts thereof; wherein the polyamine cross-linked polysiloxane is prepared by reacting a mixture which includes alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine and silanol terminated polysiloxane.
 17. The antimicrobial polymer coating of claim 16, wherein the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine has an average molecular weight of at least about 500 g/mol and no more than about 5,000 g/mol.
 18. The antimicrobial polymer coating of claim 16, wherein the alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine includes one or more dialkoxyalkylsilylalkyl groups and/or trialkoxysilylalkyl groups.
 19. A method of forming a coating on a substrate comprising: applying a mixture, which includes polyamine cross-linking agent and a polysiloxane, to a surface of the substrate; wherein the polyamine cross-linking agent comprises alkoxysilyl functionalized polyamine; and the polysiloxane comprises silanol terminated polysiloxane. 